F355 Berlinetta
The Berlinetta was introduced in May 1994, as the first in a successful series of F355 models. Initially, the 6-speed manual was the only transmission available. However, in 1997, the Berlinetta was the first-ever road car to be equipped with the innovative F1-style gearbox management system. Derived directly from Formula 1, where it made its debut in 1989 resulting in a win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, the electro-hydraulic system was operated by paddles behind the steering wheel using the F355's conventional 6-speed manual gearbox. The new transmission guaranteed faster gear changes, with the additional advantage that both of the driver's hands could stay on the wheel at all times.[3]
Ferrari produced 4,871 road-going Berlinetta models during the entire production run, of which 3,829 were equipped with the 6-speed manual and 1,042 with F1 transmissions.
F355 Spider
The F355 Spider debuted in 1995, its Pininfarina-penned lines honed by 1,800 hours[7] in the wind tunnel, resulted in a blend of elegant style and aerodynamic performance. For the first time on a Ferrari automobile, the automated manual soft-top was powered electronically. Initially, the Spider was offered with the 6-speed manual transmission. In 1997, the Spider was offered with the F1 transmission available as an option. The Spider proved to be the second-most popular F355 model, with a total production of 3,717 units, of which 2,664 were produced with the 6-speed manual transmission and 1,053 were produced with the F1 transmission.
F355 GTS
In 1995, Ferrari introduced the GTS model to the F355 family. The GTS model was based on the Berlinetta but offered a removable "targa-style" hardtop roof, which could be stored behind the seats. Other specifications were identical to the Berlinetta. A total of 2,577 GTS models were produced, with 2,048 delivered with the 6-speed manual transmission and another 529 with the F1 transmission.
F355 Challenge
In 1995, Ferrari introduced a race-ready F355 Challenge model for use specifically in the Ferrari Challenge race series.[8] The Ferrari F355 Challenge model was developed by starting with a standard Ferrari F355 Berlinetta and modifying it with a US$30,000 factory-to-dealer supplied kit. The initial 1995 cars came with factory fitted cage mounts and without carpets. Each year, the cars arrived with more and more factory fitted race parts, culminating in 1998 with full-evolution cars which were supplied as virtually complete race cars except for some parts such as the rear wing, which still needed to be fitted by the dealer.
The kit initially was more substantial than the 348 Challenge and the engine, gearbox, and shock-absorbers were sealed with special tags to prevent unauthorized modifications. The kit included the following components/modifications:[9]
The F355 Challenge shares the same engine and physical dimensions as the standard F355 Berlinetta. 108 cars in total were produced, all of which were equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission. Although some sources indicate that over 300 cars were subject to the Challenge conversion, yet this claim remains unproven. There were 18 RHD cars imported by Ferrari UK and modified by MHT. A further 10 were sold to the rest of the RHD markets. Making the total number to only 28 RHD models. These RHD models become extremely rare and valuable. Some of these rare cars are located in Indonesia, Australia, Japan, and only one known example in South Africa. Each F355 Challenge has an emblem on the rear that specifically denotes the "F355 Challenge."
Limited Edition Fiorano
For the 1999 model year, Ferrari introduced a limited production of F355 Spider models designated, "Serie Fiorano". Launched in March 1999, this limited production run of 100 planned units (104 actually produced) included a number of enhancements increasing the track performance much closer to the Challenge versions:[10]
There were 100 Serie Fiorano units delivered to the U.S. market, 74 with the F1 paddle-shift transmission and 26 with the 6-speed manual. An additional 4 units were produced beyond the planned production for the U.S., with only 3 European models and one unit destined for South Africa. The American units were delivered with a numbered plaque affixed to the dashboard while the 3 Fioranos delivered to Europe had no numbered plaque.
- Competizione-derived Fiorano suspension pack, featuring wide track, stiffer springs, a thicker anti-roll bar
- Drilled and ventilated brake discs and competition brake pads
- Competizione-sourced steering rack
- Challenge rear grilles and enameled Scuderia Ferrari shields
- Carbon-fibre inserts (normally only available as expensive special order options): centre console, door sills, and paddle-shifters
- Suede-covered steering wheel
Serie Fiorano Chassis Numbers
- 355 spider Fiorano F1 (US model) 74 ex (sn 115426 - 116799)
- 355 spider Fiorano manual (US model) 26 ex (sn 116291 - 116579)
- 355 spider Fiorano F1 (EURO model) 3 ex (sn 116194, 116201 and 116489)
- 355 spider Fiorano F1 (South Africa model) 1 ex (sn 115624)
Fiorano Handling Pack
Although not a limited-edition model, a "Fiorano Handling Pack" was offered as a track-focused factory option upgrade to the F355 & 355 F1 in Europe to road cars built in the final year of production – these featured upgrades straight from the Challenge Evo parts bin. The Fiorano Handling Pack (FHP) included quick-steering rack and pump, lowered ride height, uprated springs, wider track, thicker anti-roll bars, Challenge EVO suspension ECU and upgraded brake pads with red callipers and drilled discs specifically for the road car.
The little-known Ferrari F355 "Fiorano" was the first ‘Challenge’-inspired track-focused V8 Ferrari road car.
So few buyers ordered their cars with the Fiorano Handling Package that less than 2% of production had this specified and only 0.3% were manual – In the UK only seven F355s with a manual gearbox were delivered to the UK market. Just four Berlinettas', Zero GTS and three Spiders. This makes a manual F355 Fiorano Berlinetta as rare as a manual 599.
